Manahawkin Man Saves Senior Softball League's Season Amid COVID

BERKELEY, NJ — Athletes at all levels needed to get creative to compete during the coronavirus pandemic. So one of Ocean County's most impressive athletic feats may belong to the Berkeley Senior Softball Over 68 League.

The season's success came in large part because of a Manahawkin man's efforts. The senior league's fate appeared in danger in 2020, given the state's COVID-19 restrictions and the at-risk age group involved.

That didn't stop League Commissioner Steve Drogin, of Manahawkin. Berkeley Senior Softball recently completed its season, reporting no coronavirus cases among players.

"Once the governor allowed outdoor sports to resume in summer, we needed to apply for permits to use the ball fields," Drogin said. "We had to submit a plan to Berkeley Township that complied with the governor's executive orders and the New Jersey Department of Health's Guidelines for medium-risk sports such as softball."

The plan included temperature checks before every game, sanitizer in the dugouts, a separate ball for each team and social distancing outside of the diamond.

Even though the league of more than 120 seniors took precautions, about a quarter of them chose not to play for health reasons. So the league reduced from eight to six teams for the year, beginning its season July 17 with a delayed start.

But rainouts hindered the games more than the virus, according to the league. The regular season ended last month with Drogin's Maroon Lagoon finishing atop the standings, but the rain continued in the playoffs.

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They persevered nonetheless. A sub-.500 team advanced to last Friday's final, and the Old School squad took the championship. Players took off their masks for a celebratory photo and will enjoy a luncheon Friday.

Berkeley Senior Softball hopes to return to greater normalcy next spring and summer.

"This season has been an uplifting story," Drogin said, "because the Berkeley Senior Softball Over 68 League players have proven that we can stay safe during this difficult time, while enjoying the game we love."

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